Amazing Animals: Wolf Quiz

Thousands of years ago, domestic dogs split off from wild wolves -- we can still see common behaviors in both animals, such as stalking, hunting and playfulness. But life in a wolf pack is extremely regimented to maximize the chances for survival. Take the wolf quiz and see if you're the leader of the (knowledge) pack.

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Question 1 of 10

Which continent are wolves not native to?

Europe

Africa

Wolves are native to North America, Europe and Asia, although they became extinct in many of their habitats because of human encroachment and hunting.

Asia

Question 2 of 10

Why might a wolf voluntarily leave its pack?

old age

prey availability

aggression from pack members

Injured or subordinate wolves may leave the pack to escape bullying from the other members.

Question 3 of 10

What term is used to describe the lowest-ranking wolf in a pack?

beta wolf

omega wolf

The omega wolf is the lowest-ranking wolf in a pack, subordinate to all other pack members.

zeta wolf

Question 4 of 10

How many wolves did wildlife officials bring into the United States to revive the dwindling wolf population in 1995?

14

29

Specialists relocated 29 wolves from Alberta, Canada, to Yellowstone National Park in 1995.

63

Question 5 of 10

If you encounter a wolf, what should you do to keep safe?

turn around and run the other way

don't utter a word

don't approach closer than 300 feet (91 meters)

The International Wolf Center recommends not approaching any wolf closer than 300 feet (91 meters), not turning your back on it, and waving your arms and making noise to show your dominance.

Question 6 of 10

Which of the following wolves are the most competitive in packs?

female wolves

Wolf packs rarely have more than one female member, because they are extremely aggressive with each other.

beta wolves

adolescent wolves

Question 7 of 10

What behavior will alpha wolves exhibit that subordinate pack members won't?

licking other wolves' muzzles

urinating standing up

As a display of dominance, alpha wolves will urinate standing up rather than squatting.

waiting to eat

Question 8 of 10

What are wolves doing when they howl at the moon?

just that -- howling at the moon

communicating with other pack members

Wolves do not technically howl at the moon. Since they're largely nocturnal, it might appear that wolves are howling at the moon when in fact they're just communicating with other pack members.

locating potential mates

Question 9 of 10

What ranking did wolf expert Shaun Ellis hold in the pack he lived with?

alpha

beta

omega

Ellis assumed the lowest rank, the omega wolf, while living with the pack in England's Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park.